Head of Operations Performance IAM

Continental Group Sector ContiTech; Fairlawn (OH); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Continental Group Sector ContiTech is seeking a senior Operations Performance Leader to strengthen plant network governance, drive cross-plant improvements, and deliver fact-based recommendations to IAM Operations leadership in the United States. The role emphasizes disciplined performance governance, benchmarking, and recovery initiatives across multiple plants.

The successful candidate will have 8–10 years of manufacturing experience, a strong background in KPI management and continuous

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in engineering or operations management.
• Preferred Lean, Six Sigma, PM or Operational Excellence certifications.
• 8–10 years manufacturing and operations experience.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain standardized KPI, reporting, and performance review processes across IAM Operations.
• Drive governance and follow-up for Autonomous, Improvement, and Critical/Turnaround Plants with timely execution of actions.
• Assess plant performance and risk, recommend classifications, and manage reclassifications based on criteria.
• Lead cross-plant benchmarking and best-practice deployment to drive operational excellence.
• Coordinate improvement priorities across IAM plants, product networks, functions, and SMEs.
• Lead and coordinate structured recovery programs for Critical/Turnaround Plants to achieve targets.
• Provide data-driven recommendations to IAM Operations leadership on priorities, resources, and network optimization.
• Lead the IAM Operations Performance Office and develop team capability.

Skills

KPI management

Continuous improvement

Cross-functional collaboration

Delivery

Quality

Cost optimization

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Engineering/Operations Management

Lean Six Sigma certification

Project Management certification

Operational Excellence certifications

Job description

• Legal Entity: ContiTech USA, Inc. (2006)
• Working Time: Full Time

Company Description

THE COMPANY

Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic and transportation.

Are you ready to shape the future with us?

The mission of the position is to enable and strengthen operational performance across the plant network by creating transparency, ensuring disciplined performance governance and driving cross-plant improvement. The role monitors and analyzes key performance indicators, identifies performance gaps and emerging risks, coordinates structured reviews and follow-up, and drives benchmarking and replication of proven practices across the network. It prepares fact-based recommendations and escalations for the Head of Operations and, when specifically mandated, leads temporary cross-functional recovery taskforces for critical or underperforming operations.

Job Description

• Performance Governance & Transparency – Establish and maintain standardized KPI, reporting, and performance review processes across IAM Operations to ensure transparent and fact-based decision-making.
• Performance Reviews & Action Follow-up – Drive the governance and follow-up process for Autonomous, Improvement, and Critical/Turnaround Plants, ensuring accountability and timely execution of agreed actions.
• Plant Classification & Performance Risk Assessment – Assess plant performance and risk, recommend plant classifications, and manage reclassification based on defined criteria and performance evolution.
• Benchmarking & Cross-Plant Improvement – Lead cross-plant benchmarking and best-practice deployment across IAM to drive operational excellence and measurable performance improvements.
• Product Network & Cross-Functional Coordination – Coordinate operational improvement priorities across IAM plants, product networks, functions, and subject-matter experts to address business needs and systemic challenges.
• Recovery & Turnaround Management – Lead and coordinate structured recovery programs for Critical/Turnaround Plants, ensuring achievement of defined performance and sustainability targets.
• Management Decision Support & Network Optimization – Provide data-driven recommendations to IAM Operations leadership on performance priorities, resource allocation, network optimization, and improvement initiatives.
• Leadership of the Operations Performance Office – Lead the IAM Operations Performance Office, ensuring effective team performance, capability development, and delivery of strategic operational improvement objectives.

Qualifications

Education / Certification: Bachelor’s degree or higher in Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a comparable field; certifications in Lean, Six Sigma, Project Management, or Operational Excellence are preferred.

Professional Experience: 8-10 years of manufacturing and operations experience with a strong background in operational performance, continuous improvement, KPI management, productivity, quality, delivery, and cost optimization across multiple operational functions.

Project and Process Experience: Demonstrated success in leading cross-functional and cross-plant improvement initiatives, performance management programs, benchmarking activities, recovery programs, and sustainable operational transformation efforts.

Leadership Experience: Proven leadership experience in manufacturing environments with the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, influence within matrix organizations, and drive performance through accountability and collaboration.

Intercultural / International Experience: Extensive experience working in international and multicultural organizations, with the ability to collaborate effectively across countries, functions, and management levels; business-fluent English required.

Additional Information

Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required. We will not sponsor individuals for employment visas now or in the future for this job posting.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.